Helpers of the Divine Physician
Two years ago, I saw her. Beverly sat alone in the waiting room, looking uncertain, waiting on her husband to join her. I knew her as an acquaintance from what seemed like a lifetime ago. I said hello, and asked how are you doing? Well, she’d been better. She’d just found out she had pancreatic cancer. From that moment on, I’ve watched the most beautiful soul as she walks a path full of obstacles and pain. She does so with grace, love, and above all, faith. During her journey, Beverly has made new relationships and touched the hearts of many, one of which is Michelle.
This is Beverly ’s story about Michelle:
The Divine Physician has lots of helpers on this earth, and one of His best is Michelle Ramirez, my oncology nurse. Michelle works in the chemo suite and administers my chemo every week. At the cancer center I go to, you can’t really pick your nurse, but Michelle and I have kind of wound up together during the course of my treatment, and I think He intended it that way.
There are certain things one wants when it comes to chemo nurses. And since I’ve been in a research study during most of my illness, one of the things I wanted was a nurse who was extra “picky” and careful about the protocol. Michelle has always been attentive to those details. But that’s just expected as part of her professionalism. It’s really other things that make her extraordinary to me. For instance, she takes all the time necessary to do whatever it is I need – like she doesn’t have any other patients besides me. She patiently answers any question I ask, and I know I can count on her to tell me the truth. She has tremendous sympathy for me during any procedure that is painful to me and does her very best not to hurt me.
Over the last two years, Michelle and I have become friends and keep up with each other’s families. She has a new grandbaby she is so proud of, and I enjoy hearing about the latest developments. And she always asks about my daughter and my husband. He almost always goes to chemo with me, and I enjoy watching them banter and joke with each other.
The most special thing to me about Michelle is the emotional and spiritual support she provides. She helps me in the fight and makes me feel like she’s in it with me. The drugs help me get well, but she gives me another kind of medicine, too. She hugs me when I’m down, and prays for me when I need it. Those times when I haven’t been able to get chemo for one reason or another have usually left me emotionally devastated for a while, and she’s always been encouraging and knows exactly what to say to help me get over that. I remember the first time my blood counts were too low, and the doc said no chemo that day. I was so sad and disappointed and even a little mad about it, but Michelle hugged me and whispered “You’ll be OK. This happens sometimes. Don’t worry.” That was just what I needed to hear.
To me, that’s the really extraordinary thing about Michelle. She gives the gift of God’s love to her patients, and uses the gift of healing He has given her to help others. That’s what really makes her an extraordinary helper of the Divine Physician.
So, how is it possible to choose just one nurse, Beverly asked me?
I started thinking. Shirley is gruff…grumbly, only on the outside, concealing the tenderest of hearts. Most don’t know it, especially the patients, that she works late into each night to ensure the quality of care. Annette’s being radiates her confidence and control. Just being around her quiets the fear, and in its place, flows the calm of knowing capable and loving hands. Julie and Stephanie banter and play. Jokes and laughter accompany those warm soothing hands. Michelle glides among her patients; her smile seeking out each face. Her eyes and her words somehow knowing the perfect thing to say. Then there’s Shannon and Cassie and Lyn and Angie and Dorothy, and Karen and…. How? How do we decide which nurse to choose from among so many?
I found the answer, sweet Beverly : we don’t, but He does, and I think He intended it that way.
Robin Moreno
